Wednesday May 2, 2012, 7:12 am
I had never heard of the expression "starter pet", but i agree it's abominable.
All pets are all living beings, with a dignity and all deserving respect and care.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 7:55 am
Noted!~ Left comment on your article & posted to Facebook!~

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 7:59 am
In a sense, those "small animals" need better or more gentle care than dogs/cats and therefore more difficult for kids of young age.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 8:29 am
Weird , Glad I've never heard it said in front of me .
Glad you were able to speak w/ him .

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 8:30 am
Noted

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 8:47 am
Well done for posting; unfortunately I have heard people use this term. I agree that the practice is abhorrent. Each animal companion needs to be treated with love, respect, and compassion.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 9:04 am
All animals have feelings, please care for them don't abuse them!

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 10:11 am
Each animal needs to be treated with love, respect, and compassion!

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 10:21 am
Amen Michele, all lives matter as we treasure our own, it is a gift.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 11:21 am
never heard of this. a pet is a living thing you don't return them for a refund!

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 11:43 am
No dispensable creatures.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 11:44 am
Have tried to note 3 times, it won't take.
Sorry!

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 1:22 pm
it should be a lifetime commitment!!! left a comment on the site, thanks Michele

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 1:32 pm
I've never heard of this but thinks it's awful anyway, thanks Michelle.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 4:47 pm
I hadn't ever heard of 'starter pets' either but think it's totally disgusting! Thnx Michele!

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 5:49 pm
Noted with disgust and commented with even more disgust!! Thanks Michele!!

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 7:09 pm
Thanks Michele I have never heard of a starter pet, How terrible, All pets should be a life time commitment.

Wednesday May 2, 2012, 7:12 pm
I never heard the term, but my father "bought" me 2 gerbils when I was about 4 years old. He named them Elke and Gina after Elke Sommer and Gina Lollobrigida. One day I was holding one of them (Gina, if I remember correctly) and she bit me. My father grabbed her and slammed her down and she died a couple days later. I guess I have never gotten over it or forgiven my father. I always was begging for a cat or dog, so I guess gerbils (and later a parakeet, with a worse ending) were "starter pets". In my case, I think my parents didn't want the responsibility of a pet and were trying to appease me with something "easy".

When I was 13, our neighbors rescued a pregnant stray cat and my parents allowed me to adopt a kitten. I took care of him. They did at least drive me to the vet's to have him neutered, so they had a clue.

Thursday May 3, 2012, 4:10 am
thanks for sharing

Thursday May 3, 2012, 4:38 am
No animals should be considered as "starter pet". I am glad you could make that man changed his mind. Even you said that you did not have a "poker face" but I think you did a good job on that :).

Thursday May 3, 2012, 7:49 am
Thank you all for commenting and noting. I know I'm speaking to the converted.

Thursday May 3, 2012, 12:00 pm
DO WE HAVE STARTER CHILDREN?....NO...I DIDN'T THINK SO !!!!!

Tuesday May 8, 2012, 12:13 am
Agree Little Star!!!

Thursday July 19, 2012, 11:59 am
I, too, have always been offended at the idea of a "starter pet" because it give people the idea that this animal (but not that one!) can or should be subjected to your "beginner's mistakes" and that this is "normal and acceptable" because since they are "lesser animals," they either "don't feel it" or it just plain doesn't matter. And of course, usually the "starter" animals aren't mammals, either, which is just stupid and ignorant speciesism showing through.

Thanks for posting this, Michelle, I hope it wakes folks up!